EASA SIB 2007-51: PARACHUTES DE FRANCE reserve canopies

What to do

Operators must inspect PARACHUTES DE FRANCE reserve canopies manufactured between January 1, 1987, and February 28, 1989, following Service Bulletin No. 2/2003 and ground any canopies showing specific stitching defects or damage immediately. For the TECHNO 240-B reserve parachute, the slider and steering lines must be replaced and packed according to Service Bulletin BSV_06_001 before the next use. Compliance with these actions is mandatory from the effective dates stated in the directives.

Summary

The EASA Safety Information Notice No. 2007-51 addresses DGAC France Airworthiness Directives F-2007-025 and F-2007-026 concerning PARACHUTES DE FRANCE reserve canopies. These directives focus on safety issues related to reserve parachutes manufactured by PARACHUTES DE FRANCE between 1987 and 1989, and the TECHNO 240-B reserve parachute model. The directives include mandatory inspections, modifications, and grounding measures to ensure parachute reliability and compliance.

What changed

The document introduces two DGAC Airworthiness Directives replacing previous directives related to PARACHUTES DE FRANCE reserve canopies. AD F-2007-025 cancels and replaces AD F-2004-015 due to stitching failures potentially causing canopy control issues. AD F-2007-026 supersedes AD 2006-0160-E by mandating slider and steering line replacements and packing modifications for the TECHNO 240-B reserve parachute.

Why it matters

These directives are critical for aviation professionals as they address serious safety concerns involving reserve parachutes used by parachutists, which could affect emergency equipment reliability. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent parachute malfunctions that could lead to accidents. National Aviation Authorities are advised to adopt these directives to maintain safety standards within their jurisdictions.